Wellington, Feb 2 NZPA - The Government has decided to take over a member's bill to raise the penalty for cruelty to animals, and the MP who drafted it says the decision will send a strong signal that cruelty won't be tolerated.

Wellington, Dec 8 NZPA - Lobby group Family First is often not given the full story when it champions parents it feels have been prosecuted for minor child discipline offences, psychologist Nigel Latta says.

Wellington, Dec 7 NZPA - A review of how the anti-smacking legislation is working has found no evidence that police and welfare staff have responded inappropriately or out of proportion to concerns about child safety.

Wellington, Dec 7 NZPA - A review of how the anti-smacking legislation is working has found no evidence that police and welfare staff have been responding inappropriately or out proportion to concerns about child safety.